Continuous sealing system for flanged connections



4 Sheets-Sheet 1 R 0 T N E Y N l a A B N T 0/NE PHILIPPE RE/VAl/fl/fi June 28, 1960 A. P. RENAUDIN commuous SEALING SYSTEM FOR FLANGED CONNECTIONS Filed May 9. 1958 June 1960 A. P. RENAUDIN 2,942,309

CONTINUOUS SEALING SYSTEM FOR FLANGED CONNECTIONS Filed May 9, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 If 51" E INVENT R 6- ANTO/Nf PHILIPPE RENAUD/N A TToR/VEYS June 28, 1960 A. P. RENAUDIN CONTINUOUS SEALING SYSTEM FOR FLANGED CONNECTIONS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 9, 1958 INVENTOR ANTOIN PHILIPPE RENAUD/N June 28, 1960 A. P RENAUDIN CONTINUOUS SEALING SYSTEM FOR FLANGED CONNECTIONS Filed May 9, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ANTfll/VE PHILIPPE L'NAUD/N ATTORNE YS the strips.

CONTINUOUS SEALING SYSTEM FOR FLANGED CONNECTIONS Antoine Philippe Renaudin, 21 Rue Eugene Caron, Courbevoie, France Filed May 9, 1958, Ser. No. 734,153

Claims priority, application France May 10, 1957 15 Claims. (Cl. 20'--69) stituted by continuous strips provided with inner cut out portions and folded so as to form a succession of transverse folds in a manner such that the successive cut out portions define a channel adapted to be engaged by the supporting flange.

According to a first embodiment of my invention, the. inner cut out portions extendv longitudinally of the strip.

and at least one out of two successive transverse folds coincides with the transverse axis of symmetry of the corresponding cut out portions of the series of cut out portions. r v JM- This. clasp-forming strip is set over the supporting flange considered after it has been fitted inside a fluidtight member of rubber or the like, the lower edges of which are turned inwardly underneath the lower folds of I will designate hereinafter such a strip as a clasp. In order that the clasp. may be rigidly secured to the supporting flange, the ends, or at least one of the ends,

of each of its inner cut out portions are provided with a narrow section the outline of which forms one or more inwardly directed teeth which clamp energetically be tween them the supporting flange after the clasp has been folded and set with a tight fit over its support.

, Each clasp includes in principle a transverse upperfold in each section separating two successive 'cut out portions and a transverse fold facing the opposite direction and located substantially in the middle of each of the successive cut out portions so as to form a lower fold which latter allows the secure fitting of the fluid:-

tight member underneath the clasp.

Each cutout portion in the clasp may beprovided furthermore in its wide section with. one or more teeth,

for instance to one side or .to both sides of the said cut out portion so as to ensure a better engagement between:

the fiuidtight member and the clasp.

Laterally of each portion cut out in the clasp, there maybe provided to either side or to one side only, an.

auxiliary cut out portion or slot inside which is fitted the inturned lower edge of the fluidtight member.

vThe latter may be provided in the conventional mannerwith a bead, annulus-or the like fluidtight part.

According to a further embodiment, the cut out portions are arranged transversely and open into one side of the strip which is folded along a succession of transverse lines, the folding'being such that it is performed in the'same direction round two successive lines and then. in the opposite direction round two'further"successive United States Patent lines, each couple of successive lines of fold extending between successive transverse openings.

Thus, it is found that the succession of cut out portions formed in the metal strip or the like are brought into alignment and form a channel adapted to be engaged by a flange or the like member which is to carry the packing; preferably the transversely cut portions are executed in a manner such that their outlines form at least one inwardly directed tooth, which tooth constitutes a means for securing the clasp to the flange with which it cooperates or even a member for securing the packing.

Further features and advantages of my invention will appear in the reading of the following description, reference being'made to the accompanying-drawings given by way of example and by no means in a limiting sense, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a view of a metal clasp-forming strip in its unfolded condition.

Fig. 2 shows said strip in its zig-zag shaped folded condition.

Fig. 3 is a cross-section through line IlI-III of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the strip fitted over its supporting flange and engaged by the fluidtight member.

Fig. 5 is a modification of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 illustrates a modification corresponding to Fig. 2 in which the angular folds are replaced by mere corrugations.

. Fig. 7 corresponds to Fig. 4 as modified for the case of this second embodiment.

Figs. 8 and 9 relate to a further modification and correspond to Figs. land 4 respectively.

Figs. 10 and 11 show still further modifications in the folding of the clasp. 7 V

Fig. '12 is a partial plan view of a still further embodiment. a 7

Fig. 13. is aperspectiye view in its folded condition of a continuous strip of the typeprovided with transversea packing secured to a flange through the agency of the clasp body.

clasp illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a modification.

Fig. 18 illustrates a still further modification.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4,1 designates the unfolded metal strip adaptedto form the claspi Inside said strip 1 are formed at intervals longitudinal cut out portions 2 separated from their narrow ends 3 by tooth-shaped sections 4.

The strip -1 is folded transversely into zig-zagshape so as to form a succession of triangles as shown in Fig. 2, the upper folds being formed along lines such as A A of Fig. 1 and the lower folds being formed along lines such as B--B of Fig. 1. I

The strip 1 thus folded is fitted with a force fit as provided by its teeth 4 over the supporting flange 5 (Fig. 4) which is thus clamped energetically by said teeth" which ensure a rigid securing of the clasp over the supporting flange 5.

The fluidtight member made of rubber, textile material or a combination of rubber and textile material is shown at 6 in Fig. 4 as fitted completely over the clasp in a manner such that its lower inturned edges 6 may be folded underneath the lower edges of the clasp within the wide sections 2 of the cut out portions of the Bach fluidtight member may be provided at any point of its periphery with a bead 7 or with an annulus or the like fluidtight means. l i

It is of advantage for the thickness of the lower-edges" 6' of the fluidtight member or packing to be such that the distance separating these .two edges .may be smaller than the thickness of the flange '5, so that said fluidtight member is clamped over the flange and provides thus edeuhletfluidtigh ness :at said point. r

In the modification illustrated in Figs. 5 :to 7, .each out put portion .2 of the clasp strip 1' may be provided substantially in its medial part with .a tooth .or with two teeth .8 projecting beyOlld the corresponding longitudinal edge of the cut out portion, said tooth or teeth being adapted to engage the corresponding surface of the fluidgight packing 6 so as to hold it more securely in posienregistry with each ripper fold provided along the line A-- A of Fig. 5, the metal strip .1 may be provided with teeth ,9 engaging the upper surface of the fluidtight member 5 which is associated advantageously, it requ red, n its'upper section with ,a suitable padding so as to give it an incurved shape which has not been illustrated. Said fluidtight member 6 is formed of a .combination of rubber and textile .material. A J.-sh aped rubber portion 6" is attached by staples 6a to the main text l edo aid me b It should be remarked that in this modification illustrated in Figs. 5 to 7, the tr nsverse folds in angular z gzag f r a n f ig- 2 are replaced, as shown in Ere-, by a suc s on f transverse undulations, the upper parts of which correspond with the transverse line A?A .Of Fig. 5 and the lower parts of which corresyhnd with the transverse line Bw'B of Fig. 5.

In the modification illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, each CL P Ql tportion 2 is provided with a plurality of teeth such as 4, which plurality of teeth may also be incorporated with the preceding modifications, while, on the other hand, there is provided to either side of each vcut out portion 2 an auxiliary slot 10 cut outof the metal strip 1, said slot being intended to be engaged by .the corresponding lower inturned edges .of thefluidtight packmg 6, as illustrated in Fig. 9. Said fluidtight packing .a slide flap 6b for hearing against adjacent elements providing a seal therewith.

In this latter embodiment, the clasp may be shaped .as

.tion 34 and the .cut out portions 23,.24 in said sections are in registry with each other longitudinally of the folded strip.

The two next folds are performed round the lines 35 and 36 in a direction opposed to the two preceding folds so as to bring the next clasp section 37 into parallelism with the clasp sections 33 and 3A with their .cut am portions in longitudinal alignment, and so on, whereby the folded system illustrated in Fig. 13 is obtained.

It is possible to fit over said clasp a fluidtight packing, such as a rubber member 38 (Fig. 15) which is folded over said clasp in a manner such that its lateral edges- 39 and 40 may be brought inside the portions of desired so as m an v rs angular zig-zag .or transverse undulations.

The transversefolds of the clasp-forming strip 11 may he giyen any other desired shape such as a succession .of inverted triangles and of trapeziums as shown at 11 in Fig. 10 or a succession of inverted trapeziums, as shown at 12 in Fig. 11 or the like;

,Obviously, it is possible to modify the .elficiency of the clasp by modifying in particular the thickness of .the metal strip 1, the number of the folds, undulations ,or

the like formed in succession in said strip, the number of teeth 4 in the cut out portions 2, and lastly, the actual breadth of the strip.

illustrated in Fig. 12, a metal strip 2.0 has one of ts lateral edges cut out, so as to form a series of semi-circular scallops as shown at 21, the successive scallops being connected by the rectilinear sections 22. On the other hand, there are provided transverse cut out portions at 23, 24, etc. opening into the other 10.ngitudinal, rectilinear edge of the strip and the bottom of the outline of which is coaxial with the corresponding scallop 21 as shown at 25, 26, etc. Preferably, theoutlines of said transverse cut out portions form teeth 27, 28 facing each other and the part played thereby will be disclosed hereinafter. ther teeth such as 29 and 30 at the outer ends of the cutout portions 23 and 24.

The cut out portions being formed in the manner disclosed, the strip is folded round the transverse axes31 and 32, etc. the folding being executed in the same .direction round two. successive lines 31 and 32 extending beyond the adjacent ends of two successive scallops.

It is .even possible to provide -furthe cut out portions such as '23 and 24 opening into the longitudinal rectilinear side of the strip forming after the folding of the lower edge of the clasp. The upper part of the fiuidtight packing may carry a fluidtight bead such as v41 ,or a fiuidtight tongue, said tongue or head being provided, as desired, at any point selected on the outer periphery of the 'fluidtight packing.

In order to obtain perfect adherence between said packing and the flange 42 which is to carry the whole system; fil breadth of the cut out portions and the thickness of the packing edge engaging the latter should be such that the fluidtight packing 38 or at least its inturned edges '39 and 40 may be clamped energetically over said flange system 42. l

As illustrated in Fig. l 5, the teeth 27 and 28 on the strip engage the flanges 42 and provide thus a perfect securing of the latter.

In particular, if the packing 43 is made of textile ma terial, as shown in Fig. 16, the presence of the teeth 29 and '30 illustrated in Fig. 12 provides for the engagement between the packing and the clasp since said teeth extend into and through the packing. On the other hand, the fitting over the flanges 42 is the same as in the case of Fig. 15.

Obviously, the cutting of the strip might be such that at :least at one point of a scallop such as 21 there is provided at least one ,tooth (not shown) engaging the packing and holding the latter fast.

'In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 17, teeth such as 27 and '28 are no longer cut out of the strip so that" said slots and these teeth 46 provide for the securing of the packing.

As illustrated in Fig. 18, the slots 44 and 45 may e x tend up to the edge of the corresponding rectilinear sec tion so that the tooth 47 thus formed may with flanges of different thicknesses.

Obviously, it is possible to modify the efficiency of the clasp by providing modifications in the thickness of the metal forming the original strip, the distances between the successive cooperating lines 31 and 32 along which'the folds are executed, the number of teeth such as 27 and 28 and lastly the distances separating from each other the cut out portions formed in the strip. Similarly, the

shape of the scallops such as 21 is irrelevant.

What I claim is: 1. In a fluidtight system associated with a flange, the

combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous'folded' strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned cut out portions and folded along a succession" of transverse lines of fold, said lines of fold intercepting said cut out portions to provide a continuous channel defined by the longitudinally aligned cut out portions, said channel opening longitudinally of the folded strip and being adapted to engage the flange, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with lone gitudinaledges engaging said strip longitudinally on either side of said channel.

be psed readily 2 In a fluidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned longitudinal cut out portions and folded alternatingly in opposite directions around transverse lines of which at least one out of two registers with the transverse of symmetry of a corresponding cut out portion to provide a continuous channel defined by said longitudinally aligned cut out portions, said channel opening longitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging said strip longitudinally on either side of said channel.

3. In a fluidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned longitudinal cut out portions each provided at least at one end with a narrower section the outline of which forms at least one inwardly directed tooth, said strip being folded along a succession of transverse lines of fold, said lines of fold intercepting said out out portions to provide a continuous channel defined by said longitudinally aligned cut out portions, said channel opening longitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange, said teeth being capable of clampingly engaging the surface of said flange, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging the strip longitudinally on either side of said channel.

4. In a fluidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned longitudinal cut out portions each forming at least along one of its longitudinal edges an inwardly directed tooth, said strip being folded alternatingly in opposite directions around transverse lines of which at least one out of two registers-with the transverse axis of symmetry of a corresponding cut out portion to provide a continuous channel defined by said longitudinally aligned cut out portions, said channel opening longitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange, and a fluid-tight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging the strip longitudinally on either side of said channel.

5. In a fluidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of'a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned longitudinally extending cut out portions constituted each by a wide central area and two relatively narrower areas the outlines of which are shaped forming at least one inwardly directed tooth, said strip being folded alternatingly in opposite directions around transverse lines of which at least one out of two registers with the transverse axis of symmetry of a corresponding cut out portion to provide a continuous channel defined by said longitudinally aligned cut out portions, said channel opening logitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging the strip longitudinally on either side of said channel.

6. In a fluidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned groups of longitudinally extending cut out portions, each said group being constituted by a central opening and two lateral slots, said strip being folded along a succession of transverse lines of fold, said lines of fold intercepting said cut out portions to provide a continuous channel defined by said longitudinally aligned cut out portions, said channel opening longitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging the strip longitudinally on either side through said lateral slots.

7. in a fluidtight system associated with a. flange,-- the combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned longitudinally extending cut out portions each constituted by a wide central area and two relatively narrower areas the outlines of which cut out -port-ions form between each narrower area and said central area teeth directed inwardly of said cut out portion, said strip being folded alternatingly in opposite directions around transverse lines of which at least one out of two registers with the transverse axis of symmetry of a corresponding cut out portion to provide a continuous channel defined by said longitudinally aligned cut out'portions, said channel opening longitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engaged the flange, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging said strip longitudinally on either side of said channel. 7

8. In a fluidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned longitudinally extending cut out portions each constituted by a wide central area and two relatively narrower areas the outlines of said cut out portions being such as to form two teeth in registry with the points at which said extreme areas open into said central area, and two further teeth in the medial section of said central area, said strip being folded alternatingly in opposite directions around transverse lines of which at least one out of two registers with the transverse axis of symmetry of a corresponding cut out portion to provide a continuous channel defined by said longitudinal system of cut out portions, said channel opening longitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging said strip longi tudinally on either side of said channel.

9. In a, fluidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned waisted cut out portions and folded along a succession of transverse lines of fold, said lines of fold intercepting said cut out portions to provide a continuous channel defined by said longitudinal system of cut out portions, said channel opening longitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange through its waistedpart, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging said channel in said strip between said flange and the corresponding edges of cut out portions facing said flange.

10. In a fluidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned transversely extending cut out portions open at one longitudinal edge of said strip, said strip being folded around two transverse lines in each section separating the successive transverse cut out portions, the direction of folding being opposed for any two successive pairs of transverse lines in the successive sections separating two adjacent cut out portions to provide a continuous channel defined by the longitudinal system of cut out portions,

said channel opening longitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging said strip longitudinally through its transverse cut out portions.

- 11. In a fluidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned transversely extending cut out portions open at one longitudinal edge of said strip, the outlines of each cut out portion forming teeth opposing each other on either side of said out out portion, said strip being folded around two transverse lines in each section separating the successive transverse cut out portions, the direction of i dins ein p ed fo an t o Successive p r f transverse lines in the successive sections separating two adjacent cut out portions to provide a continuous channel defined by the longitudinally aligned cut out portions, said channel opening longitudinally .of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange, and a fluidtight-member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging said strip longitudinally through its transverse cut out portions.

12. In a fiuidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of a clasp constituted by a continous folded strip having one longitudinal edge of the same provided with a series of scallops separated by rectilinear elements providedwith-a series of longitudinally spaced transversely extending cut out portions open at the other longitudinal edge of said strip and the outline of which includes an element formed coaxially with a corresponding scallop,

said strip being folded around two transverse lines passing on the outside of the cut out portions through the points connecting each rectilinear section of said strip with the associated scallop, the direction of folding being opposed for any two successive pairs of transverse lines in the successive sections separating two adjacent out out portions to provide a continuous channel defined by the longitudinally aligned cut out portions, said channel opening longitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging said strip longitudinally through its transverse cut out portions.

13. In a fluidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and aligned transversely extending out out portions open at one longitudinal edge of said strip, the outline of each cut out portion being such as to form two pairs of teeth directed inwardly, said strip being folded around two transverse lines in each section separating the successive r ve se ou out Po t n t e direction 9 f di be op o ed o a two uc ss e P s o ns e s ine n t ucces e c ns sepa a i g t djac t u o portions totprovide a continuous channel defined by the longitudinal system of out out portions, said channel opening longitudinally ofsaid strip and being adapted to engage theflange, and a fluidtight member-surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges rectilinear edge provided with at least one cut out tooth,

said strip being provided with a series of longitudinally spaced transversely extending out out portions open at said other longitudinal edge .of said strip and the outline of each of which includes an element formed coaxially with a corresponding scallop, said strip being folded around two transverse lines passing on the outside of the cut out portions through the points connecting each rectilinear elementof said first strip edge with the associated scallop, the direction of folding being opposed for any two successive pairs of transverse lines in the successive sections separating two adjacent cut out portions to provide a continuous channel defined by the longitudinal system of cut out portions, said channel opening longitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging said strip longitudinally through its transverse cut out portions.

15. In a fluidtight system associated with a flange, the combination of a clasp constituted by a continuous folded strip, said strip including a succession of sections of different thicknesses, said strip being provided with aseries of longitudinally spaced cut out portions and being folded along a succession of transverse lines of fold, said lines of fold intercepting said out out portions to provide a continuous channel defined by said longitudinal series of cutout portions, said channel opening longitudinally of said strip and being adapted to engage the flange, and a fluidtight member surrounding said folded strip and provided with longitudinal edges engaging said strip longitudinally on either side of said channel.

References Cited in the file of this patent Great Britain Mar. 10, 1954 

